An Arab-American woman sees signs of hope.

May 05, 2009

At Home In the Life of the Mind

Sharon Astyk at Casaubon’s Book defends domesticity - even for intellectuals.

the idea that these things are fundamentally split - that the life of the mind happens at the computer, maybe in the garden, but never, ever, while folding clothes, seems wrong, and kind of demeaning to all of us, male or female, who would rather not have the laundry piled up on the floor.

I think the choice not to find domestic life interesting is, in fact a choice. That is, I don’t find that laundry or dishes are inherently less interesting than, say, the annual business report - we have decided they are, but because we have done so, there’s probably actually much more to be said about how to do the dishes quickly and well, or how to manage laundry well than has been. The reality is that these things matter - they take up our time and energy and money, and the flow of those things - resources, time, personal and fossil energies, are important. I keep waiting for permaculturists to start writing books about domestic management, because I think this is territory insufficiently explored and of a great deal of use. Until they do, I’ll put it on my agenda.

I have been following Sharon for almost two years, not just because she is a peak oil "doomer" and permaculturist, but because she's as interested in domestic life as she is in literature and economics and the environment. She is an imperfect domestic goddess, like me - not Martha Stewart by any means, but concerned with the laundry and the getting of food and cleaning of cobwebs.

PS I decluttered the living room today and I just feel so happy every time I walk in there. Mission: declutter every room of the house, and keep 'em that way.

Comments

Hi, I found you via visitors to my blog from your twitter account, and I'm so glad you did! Your blog is great, I can't wait to make your mjaddarah for my Jordanian best friend and flatmate who always craves it. Thank you!

Cookbooks

Deborah Madison: Vegetarian Cooking for EveryoneIndispensable - I use it all the time, and give it as presents to brides, young people starting out, etc. Not for vegetarians only - hence the title - a great resource for anybody wanting delicious recipes for vegetables, grains and legumes. Great sauces and salads, too.